TOOLS OF THE TRADE – EQUIPMENT & TOYS

Thursday, April 15  6:15 – 7:45 pm

Knowing how to use the right tools for the job comes in very handy, even in dog training. A lively and informative discussion reviewing the PROPER USE and COST EFFECTIVE BENEFIT of some of my favorite tools in a positive dog training approach. When understood and used correctly, equipment and toys are invaluable in the training of reliable dogs both at home and out and about. Learn how to start thinking outside of the box and learn about inexpensive, simple solutions to prevent or fix common dog behavioral problems. Any equipment/toys purchased the night of class receives a 15% discount. DOGS OPTIONAL / NOT REQUIRED BUT DUE TO LIMITED SPACE ADVANCED PERMISSION TO BRING DOGS REQUIRED. Maximum 5 dogs.

LOCATION:

Groovy Grooming

12908 Larchmere Blvd.

Cleveland, OH 44120 (near Shaker Sq.)

To register, with or without a dog, please email or call 216] 321-7654. Advance registration required. No guarantee walk ins will be accommodated.

Classes & Lectures Starting Up Soon!

SPRING GROUP SESSIONS START APRIL 12

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN & PUPPY NEXT STEP both teach basic manners and allow for off leash social play for dogs in SIX (6) weekly 75 minute sessions. There is an expectation of completed homework assignments. Classes are fun, educational and informative. You'll learn basic skills -- reliable recall (or coming when called), sit, down, stay, go and leash manners. Plenty of time for off leash play which is key to developing social graces for dogs of all sizes and breed types. Families are welcome but children 6 and under require an additional adult for supervision.

Classes are held INDOORS ON MONDAY EVENINGS in the basement gym at the South Euclid Board of Education Building (SELREC) at 5044 Mayfield Rd.,located on the SW corner of Richmond and Mayfield Rds. in Lyndhurst,OH. Free and ample parking lot is accessible from Richmond Road.  

REGISTRATION THROUGH SELREC OFFICE • 216-691-2246 M- F,8:30 - 4:30pm

SPRING GROUP CLASS DETAILS

Mondays: April 12, 19, 26th; May 3, 10 and 17th. 

Puppy Kindergarten: For pups btwn 8 wks-5 mos at start of class            Monday    7:45-9:00 pm
Puppy Next Step:      For puppies 5 months to 2 years at start of class    Monday    6:15-7:30 pm

If your dog is 4 - 5 months at start of class, contact rachel to discuss best level for your dog.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION THROUGH SELREC REQUIRED.
Call SELREC: 216) 691-2246.  Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm to register / request a catalog.

For more information about the classes themselves,

contact rachel@abetterpet.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

ALSO NEW IN 2010

APRIL/MAY LECTURE SERIES - CLICK HERE FOR PDF

Series include sessions on pet loss/bereavement, equipment clinic, career alternatives in the world of animals, kids and animals, and much more.  

National Stress Awareness Month -- No Fooling

There are only twelve months in a year and 365 days in most of them. Assignations for months and days for various interest groups to raise awareness abound. This month is Stress Awareness Month and I phool you not.

I know I have animals around me -- my own pets and an awareness of nature and animals in the world -- because their presence, antics, focus on the things in life that really matter -- reduce my stress. They of course add joy, motivation for exercise, a reason to sweep obsessively and a grounding that keeps me centered.

More often than not the clients I work with are themselves stressed out not just from life but from the dog in their life. Helping clients adjust and tipping the dog's (or cat) presence from a source of stress to a source of stress relief is my main mission in the training/education I provide.

There are various coping mechanisms that go to the root of the problem to help de-stress ourselves. You probably know the ones that work best for you. Whether you choose to medicate to alleviate symptoms, work on modifying your life to reduce stress using methods that resonate for you, or even a combination, many are at a loss for how to help their animals.

In addition to understanding dogs in general and your dog in particular and learning how to become the benevolent leader, there are other resources that might help reduce your dogs stress -- whether it's when you're leaving your dog alone or helping your dog cope with stressors that are in the environment, going holistic is the best way to get at the root cause.

Two proactive ways include the use of appropriate calming music  and Bach Flower Essences. To learn more about becoming the benevolent leader, sign up for upcoming spring puppy kindergarten and puppy next step classes.